Malaika Apparel: How a college graduate turned a small vision into her own brand company
‘It’s a place where people of color can buy apparel that tells the story of Black/ POC excellence’
Ithaca College graduate, Rita Bunatal, was able to transform a small vision into a big success when she founded her own brand company, Malaika Apparel, one year ago. From social media platforms to competitions and communities, Malaika Apparel has been representing the stories of people of color (POC).
Founder of Malaika Apparel, Rita Bunatal / Courtesy of Malaika Apparel’s Twitter account
Malaika Apparel comes equipped with Black Power fists and silhouettes of the African continent that symbolizes pride in one’s cultural roots. According to the company’s website, “Akwaaba,” which means welcome in Twi – a language spoken in Ghana – represents the line that is an ode to all people in the diaspora. Together, the clothing line is a form of resistance, creation of power, and the start of a revolution to connect the black community and POC through the diaspora.
One of Malaika Apparel’s faces, Marissa Booker, representing ‘Akwaaba’. Courtesy of Malaika Apparel
One of Malaika Apparel’s faces, Max Sarmiento, representing ‘Akwaaba’. Courtesy of Malaika Apparel.
One of Malaika Apparel’s faces, Denise Terrell, representing ‘Akwaaba’. Courtesy of Malaika Apparel.
We spoke with Bunatal regarding Malaika Apparel, the road of founding her own brand company, and what the future holds for the young entrepreneur.
Tell me more about Malaika Apparel, how it all started and what influenced you to start this brand company.
Malaika Apparel creates a space for allies to show their solidarity with the essential Pro-Black movements that are ongoing and extremely necessary. The brainstorming aspect of Malaika started about a year ago today. Around this time last year, I was creating designs as well as logos and names for the company that were inspired by the happiness, pain, frustration, joy, anger and excitement I felt in the midst of not only being a first generation African attending college, but also as a black woman living between the U.S. and Ghana. I had been thinking a lot about the Black Lives Matter movement as well as my journey of re-education. Being incredibly involved in the movement inspired me in multiple ways. The fact that this entire movement was started and led by queer black women is inspiring in itself.
Malaika Apparel, designs and names. Courtesy of Malaika Apparel.
Bunatal standing in solidarity with her colleagues and Malaika Apparel team at the Black Lives Matter movement at Ithaca College. Courtesy of Malaika Apparel’s Twitter account.
What have been some of your failures/accomplishments, and what have you learned from them?
I have failed so much in this journey. But with that failure, I have learned and grown so much. It is through my many mistakes that I have been able to realize that failure is what continues to push me and make me grow in more ways than one. There have been so many macro and micro accomplishments of the company – and most of them surely didn’t happen perfectly the first time. From the logo to the name, I have made so many changes and have learned from them throughout.
Malaika Apparel design. Courtesy of Malaika Apparel.
Malaika Apparel Face. Courtesy of Malaika Apparel.
Malaika Apparel Face. Courtesy of Malaika Apparel.
Malaika Apparel has also been recognized in many competitions and associations such as at the third annual Ithaca College Business Plan Competition where Bunatal accepted the $20,000 first-place prize, as well as the Audience Choice award of $500, in April 2016 on behalf of Malaika Apparel.
How have competitions like these helped you and Malaika Apparel grow?
Participating in these competitions was very different to say the least. I was pitching my very black company in very white spaces. At first, it was conflicting and at times it still is. But, I tell myself a few things to keep myself going. Ultimately, it becomes one of the most empowering moments for me for so many reasons. Sure, I went to a predominantly white school but that sure as hell will not stop me from pursuing what it is I want to call. Yes, it is painful and takes a toll on me emotionally, mentally and physically, and in those times I need to get away and take time for myself.
The Malaika Apparel team holding their cash prize at the third annual Ithaca College Business Plan Competition. Courtesy of Ithaca College.
According to the Ithaca College paper The Ithacan, this grand cash prize will “allow Malaika Apparel to make several expansions to the company.”
Where do you see yourself and your company a few years from now?
Definitely having an office space and pursuing this full-time with a full-time team. Malaika Apparel is more than apparel – it is a community. With a community comes a whole bunch of tasks and responsibilities and I cannot handle that alone. I am excited to start working with other creatives who are just as passionate as I am about what we are doing.